Chapter Text
Working at a café isn’t the future Hanbin imagined himself having but he can’t complain. Not when it meant he was consistently surrounded by the smell of sweet and fresh baked goods from the kitchen and the savoury aroma of coffee brewing for the entirety of the day. His café is small but warm, decorated in a welcoming but not overbearing way. The successful result of Ricky‘s efforts in trying to match the cozy aesthetic he’d found on several pinterest pages.
Dark green and brown armchairs huddled around tables. Mismatched prints litter the contrasting brick walls along with the occasional doodles their patrons’ will leave behind on post-it’s for them. Soft lighting provided by the lamps in the corners of the shop cast an inviting glow, leading many new visitors into their shop especially during the autumn season.
Hanbin’s initial dreams had been to become a part of the entertainment industry but everyday he’s just a little bit more thankful that he let it remain a pipe dream. Working in a nice place day by day is a rarity in and of itself but having the opportunity to do it in an environment that he’d manage to foster with some of his closest friends? It meant something else.
It was almost criminal how simple it had been for Hanbin and his friends to start up their business. Things just fell into place naturally. Although, he definitely had Matthew, his randomly obtained communications degree and exuberant personality to thank for most of it. Considering that most of the people who’d enabled Hanbin to live the dream he hadn’t known he’d had, he’d met all because of his best friend.
How else would Hanbin have met Jiwoong whose business experience he’d be lost without if he hadn’t shared a class with Matthew? Or understood Ricky who came into the beginnings of their café and subsequently increased their clientele threefold through a simple suggestion in English of switching from bright fluorescent overhead lights to a cozier sort of mood lighting? Even Gyuvin whose easy going personality continuously lured people into coming back to their shop as a barista had been a teammate from Matthew’s short-lived career in their university’s basketball team.
Hanbin wouldn’t have met them otherwise if it weren’t for Matthew, at least, not without some trouble.
It was one stroke of luck right after another. Starting from the night, Hanbin randomly approached that one loud, drunk person in a freshman college party who had been just as nerdy about Pokemon as he had been. Back when Hanbin had been more bright-eyed and a little bit more lost about what to do in life.
Not that Hanbin found it difficult to make friends himself. The lingering traces of insecurity from having just graduated highschool just stayed somewhat present in the back of his mind at the time. Of course, it’s been years since then and he’s all but grown out of that. Hanbin settled into himself, a bit more comfortable in his own skin after all these years.
What started out as a spontaneous decision to open up a business at a loss of what to do after he’s just graduated quickly grew to become something he loved. Hanbin used the knowledge he’d gained from working part-time in local bakeries and coffee shops to improve upon their menu and make it their own. They employed Ricky as the café’s brand manager and everything just gradually fell into place.
Working at a coffee shop that he owns with his closest friends is an actual dream come true for Hanbin. He sets his own wage, makes a decent living and can get away with making a mistake without feeling like he’d get fired. Really, Hanbin couldn’t have asked for a better job.
Sure, the early days of the cafe could be troublesome given that Hanbin does the majority of their baking and prepping but he’d gotten used to it. If anything, it wasn’t really a chore considering Hanbin liked to get up when the sun rose anyway. His normal day-to-day prep work passes by quickly and Hanbin knows he can always ask one of his friends to help him if he finds himself overwhelmed with the load.
But he likes to keep busy so he seldom ever does.
Considering their shop’s close proximity to the nearby university, it means that their business is never waning. Despite multiple corporate coffee shops opening along their street every single day, their café has found a steady clientele not only in the students of the local university but also the faculty. Everyday Hanbin gets to meet new people in his line of work that make his day-to-day routine just a little bit more interesting and he is thankful for it.
Even if it has made it increasingly difficult for Hanbin to actually meet people he’s interested in.
There have been movies and stories that paint an idealistic and romantic meeting between two hopeful lovers in a coffee shop. A heavy implication that a cute setting in and of itself is all two people would need for a relationship to spark. Cozy music, plush armchairs and delicious baked goods could make an ideal space for romance to begin on paper. In reality though, it’s all a lie.
Especially if you were one of the owners of said shop.
Hanbin can say that, considering that he actually works in a café for a living.
That’s not to say he hasn’t gotten his fair share of interest in the form of phone numbers from their customers. He has, of course. Everyone who’s been working in their shop has, at one point, received a phone number or an offer to go out from their steady stream of customers. Even their part-timer, Yujin, who’s barely graduated highschool– has gotten a phone number from a random somewhat unsettling man that Jiwoong quickly ushered out with the most firm and polite iteration of ‘get out’ that Hanbin has ever heard.
Truly, the only problem Hanbin is consistently facing working at a coffee shop is the number of students who liked to hit on him while he tried to get their increasingly complex orders correct.
It’s flattering, considering that Hanbin just turned thirty this year but it does become irritating from time to time. Turning them down gets to be a bit difficult when Hanbin works the counter every single day. His schedule consists of rotating shifts that can easily be memorized if one had the time. And even though Hanbin has a lot of patience and a customer service smile that never quits, if one more student comes up to him, proclaiming some variation of their so-called maturity— he’ll actually tear his own hair out.
Since dying his hair blonde, it’s only gotten worse.
He doesn’t know what it is about this slight visual change that’s drawn increasingly younger people into flirting with him every single day but it’s getting to the point where Hanbin is tempted to wear a wig to work. Each day, a different student comes up to the counter and attempts to get his number– some approaching with confidence, some lying about how their friends dared them to come up to him.
Hanbin levels an intense glare in Matthew's way just as he’s finished rejecting yet another one. It’s the third student of the day who’s asked Hanbin if he had some time after his shift for today. The third time Hanbin has had to smile tightly before placing her change into her waiting hand, careful not to initiate any physical contact lest it leads her on before saying. “I’m sorry, I’m working overnight today.”
Their shop isn't even open past 8PM.
It's just another excuse he regularly uses on rotation. Sometimes Hanbin tries to be creative with how he can let them down. He finds the blunt honesty of just saying they’re too young can lead them to try and prove him wrong. Days where they would come in and visit Hanbin in various states of formal attire or provocative makeup as if they were trying to prove his initial assumption wrong.
Despite what they think, to Hanbin, such attempts only show how right he is.
“That’s okay, how about-” The student hurries to say but Hanbin is already calling out next to the following customer and she quickly steps aside. Hanbin takes the next customer’s order with ease. He lets Matthew handle the majority of what follows with the previous customer, considering he’s the reason he’s in this predicament in the first place.
A quick drunken poker bet and the worst poker face in the world could only have led to this. Hanbin doesn’t know why he took the bet in the first place. Of course, he’d only been searching for an excuse to dye his hair since it’s been quite some time. But if he knew the amount of attention he would be receiving from all these minors– he would have changed his mind.
He heaves a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair when the next person comes up to the counter. A slim man with a name tag that indicated his name was ‘Sunghyun’. He has a couple of local university flyers clutched in his hand, eyes darting about as he tries but fails to look subtle about checking Hanbin out.
Quite obviously a freshman, here for the university’s upcoming winter semester orientation.
“What can I get for you?” Hanbin hurriedly pushes the question out of his mouth, hoping he comes across rude enough to cut off whatever question might be lingering in the back of the Sunghyun’s head. He pulls his sleeves up and crosses his arms across his chest, hoping to come across as intimidating. “Well?”
It doesn’t work.
Sunghyun blushes as his gaze shifts to eye Hanbin’s exposed forearms before stuttering over his next words. “A cappuccino with almond milk and maybe, um-” he grabs onto the counter, staring determinedly into Hanbin’s eyes, his voice coming out loud enough for a couple of the patrons to look his way. “Your number?”
Hanbin can’t help but smile, if only because he knows the feeling of pushing yourself to ask someone out in public. Still, he replies firmly. “I’m sorry, I’m just not interested in a relationship right now.” He lets him down quietly to avoid catching anyone’s attention. Hanbin doesn’t want to publicly embarrass the kid. “But I can still get you the cappuccino. That’ll be $3.25.”
Sunghyun sighs, tapping his card against the machine in payment. He moves down the counter to where Matthew is preparing his order without looking in Hanbin’s direction again. Hanbin rings his order up with a sigh, crumpling up the receipt before tossing it in the bin under the counter. He readies a strained smile for the next customer only for his breath to catch in his throat.
“That’s a shame,” A dulcet voice cuts through Hanbin’s thoughts. Heavy black bangs hang low over drowsy eyes, paired with a tall nose and a full mouth that rests in a pout as he waits for Hanbin’s reply to his comment. He’s of a similar height to Hanbin, clad in a dark brown trench coat, a beige plaid blazer underneath, layered over a white button-up and a pair of black slacks.
“Um,” His sleeves are just a touch too long, covering up his palms adorably when he waves a hand over Hanbin’s face at the lack of reply. It would be rude if it had been anyone else but Hanbin finds himself forgiving the cute stranger almost immediately. The man’s eyes dart down to find Hanbin’s name tag quickly before his mouth forms over his next words. “Hanbin?”
Hanbin has never liked the sound of his name coming out of someone else’s mouth so much until now. The slight lilt to his voice, indicating an accent that he can’t place. Hanbin hopes the man is not just dressing older and that he actually is older. He’s on the verge of imagining a date together when the attractive customer tilts his head, repeating Hanbin’s name a bit louder with wide round eyes when Hanbin doesn’t respond.
“Y-yes?” Hanbin says a touch too loud in response as he straightens up with a flush, letting out a nervous laugh as he runs another hand through his hair. More of a nervous habit than actual frustration this time around. And if he hopes this stranger finds him equally as attractive with his hair pushed back then it also works in his favour. The first good-looking man he’d come across in months who actually seems to be his age and he’s already forgotten his manners. “What can I get for you?”
This time, the man actually does pout. His lower lip juts out when Hanbin doesn’t acknowledge what he’s said. “Are you not going to ask what I mean by ‘that’s a shame’ earlier?” He says playfully, eyes sparkling with mirth when Hanbin stumbles over his follow-up question, all too eager to give into whatever the man wants him to do.
“W-what’s a shame?”
Normally, Hanbin wouldn’t be the type to play along with the whims of random customers he’s come across at his workplace but something about this man has him wanting to fall all over himself. If not his appearance, then maybe his mannerisms which allude to his personality. The easy yet confident way he carries himself through an interaction.
“That you’re not interested– I would have asked you out myself if you were,” The man comments lightly, heaving a dramatic sigh as he winks Hanbin’s way. Hanbin blushes heavily, in spite of himself. And at an utter loss for words at the simple pick-up line directed his way. He smiles at Hanbin again, this time a little bit embarrassed as if he’s just realised the gravity of his words. He flushes pink then moves on to recounting his actual order. “An iced americano, please.”
Hanbin laughs, a tad besotted and utterly charmed at the adorable contrast that this man possesses. He asks, “Of course, can I get your name?”
Even though their shop has gotten rid of the name system long ago. His brain is still reeling from the man’s flirtatious attempt to come up with anything creative in return, so he resorts to his practiced lines. Still unsure if he should welcome his advances just yet. Hanbin can’t be too safe, afterall. This could be the fifth student who’s tried to flirt with him for the day.
“Zhang Hao.” Hao answers with a sweet smile, tucking a piece of hair behind his ear. He inclines his head in a slight bow, “Nice to meet you, Hanbin.”
Hanbin nods, returning Hao’s smile with an easy grin.
He sends the order out to Matthew down the line, waiting for a thumbs-up, before turning back to face Hao. Then, he looks around quickly, noting the lack of any customers behind him. Trying to extend their interaction for just a little bit longer, Hanbin leans against the counter, asking the question he's most curious about, “Are you a new student at the university?”
“No, I’m flattered but-” Hao shakes his head, tapping his fingers across the counter as he takes Hanbin’s lead and engages in light-hearted conversation. He holds up a hand that’s holding onto a brown leather briefcase. Then pulls an ID from underneath his shirt, flashing it in front of Hanbin’s face. “An assistant professor as of a couple of weeks ago.”
“Oh,” Hanbin remarks, suddenly feeling hopeful. “What do you teach?”
“Music theory,” Hao answers proudly, puffing his chest up as he shows off his badge once again. Almost as if he’s waiting for a compliment, he stares at Hanbin imploringly. The edges of his lips turning up as Hanbin shows an appropriate amount of enthusiasm at his words.
“That’s amazing!” Hanbin nods, clapping in awe. Given that Hao looks around his age, for him to have a position at a university is no small feat. Even though most assistant professors begin with a temporary contract, almost all contracts end up becoming permanent. “Do you play any instruments?”
Hao nods with a smile, “I play violin, viola, piano–” He recounts with the fingers on one hand. In the middle of talking about another one, Hao stops abruptly with a blush. He peers up at Hanbin from under his lashes, a sheepish expression taking up his features. “I’m sorry, you probably don’t care about all of this.”
“I do, I do!” Hanbin waves him off frantically, nodding to stress the validity of his words. His hand clutches the point-of-sale machine in front of him, accidentally pressing the receipt button in a loud prolonged beep. It startles Hao into jumping back with a loud yelp, as Hanbin watches on and smiles helplessly. “I’m sorry for startling you.”
Hao merely shakes his head in return with a slightly embarrassed upturn to his lips, “It’s okay, it happens.”
Their conversation ends there naturally. The printer whirs in the background of their easy silence, spitting out the beginnings of a receipt. Hanbin reaches for a pen, eager to write down his number for Hao, to indicate his interest in continuing their conversation elsewhere– perhaps over a date when a loud voice interrupts his plans to do so.
“Zhang Hao!” Matthew yells loudly, shooting a knowing look in Hanbin's direction as he holds up Hao’s drink in his hand.
Hao perks up at the sound of his name, waving at Hanbin shyly before shuffling to the end of the counter to pick up his order. Hanbin sighs, but writes his number down anyway. Committed to just writing down and possibly offering it to Hao before he leaves. The bell by their storefront rings, indicating the entrance of another customer.
A gaggle of students clad with oversized bags enter, tittering amongst themselves as they look around curiously at the coffee shop’s surroundings. Hanbin watches on in despair, unsure of how he can possibly slip his number Hao’s way, now that he’s suddenly found himself busy. Once again, he curses Matthew in his head as he tries to work through their orders quickly.
Occasionally, Hanbin looks at a table where Hao has made himself comfortable with his drink. Hanbin is in the middle of taking the last student’s order when Hao’s phone rings loudly in his hand. Whoever called Hao seemed urgent enough to cause him to stand up in a hurry, taking a quick sip of his drink as he eases himself around the students to exit.
Unwilling to let this meeting be their last, Hanbin yells out. “Zhang Hao!” His ears heat up when Hao’s head snaps back, along with the other customers in the shop. It’s embarrassing but it’s all worth it when Hao’s eyes curl up as they meet Hanbin’s. Stubborn and just a little bit reckless, Hanbin continues with his question. “I’ll see you around?”
A wide smile takes up Hao’s face, pushing the apples of his cheeks up as he nods. The wind whips his hair about in front of his face as soon as he exits, but he still manages to wave at Hanbin through the front window as he leaves. An adorable sight that has Hanbin’s dry lips cracking at the intensity of the manic grin spreading across his face.